With overlanding you want a good medium I would suggest 33's trying to keep what mpg you can 35's you have to start worrying about your axles not so much with 33's

 

Wendy--The JK's shifting is not the best (I've owned and driven almost exclusively manual trannys for nearly 50 years). I did not find that the change in tire size or gears made much difference in the "feel" of the shifting. It's still very cranky when cold getting into second (have to give a second or two pause before dropping it in or it will grind), and it's still cranky almost all of the time getting into reverse (find that it helps to shift through a couple other gears first to help with that). However, the one thing I did that made a surprisingly remarkable improvement in the shifting was a new clutch--I needed a throwout bearing at 90K or so miles, so also dropped in a Centerforce DualForce clutch. First, anyone who's used to driving a six speed JK immediately notices how much lighter the pedal is. Second, when releasing the clutch into each gear, it has a very positive feel for the transfer of power from the engine to the tranny. I don't want to describe what the stock JK clutch has as slipping (in fact, my old clutch looked perfectly fine and barely worn when we pulled it out; I'm easy on clutches). But, this one just grips better as you're easing out the pedal. Hope that helps!

 

This is good food for thought. When I went from 33s/4.10s to 35s/4.88s, my MPG dropped about 2 MPG. I love the look of the 35s, and when I do play on the rocks it's definitely nice to have that extra inch, but gas mileage is a significant consideration.

 

Speaking of 35s on non jkur, hows everyone holding up on 35s that does not have a rubi?

 

My Sahara JKU auto handles the 35s about fine and I even feel it rolling smoother. However, as Mark mentioned, mileage goes down the drain. I can get around 19mpg on highway using the stock 32s but it drops to 15 or so with the 35s. So, cannot say that it handles the 35s fine because of that.

 

Something for something, when I get my jk il probably stick with 33s for sometime

 

What roof rack is that?

 

Just put the 35s on not too long ago and I get around 15 city! I'm going to try the gas mode on the superchips to see if there is a difference. Mine is a 2010 sport with 3.73 gears and an auto. Haven't had a chance for highway yet really to tell!

Quick edit the hankook dynopro mt actually measure out to just a little over 34" and that's what I was looking for the compromise in-between!

 

Mark and Owntmeal...

Thanks so much for your advice. I will plan on going with 33's with a less knobby tread. Changing the clutch is an interesting thought, the pedal does have a very heavy/tight feel, I just thought it was heavy duty. Oh well, it's a JEEP, not a lightweight commuter car that shifts like butter.

Now on to the gorgeous pics that Mark is posting...

 

I put a centerforce clutch in my 2 dr manaul JK and it did make a huge difference. But I was also forced to because of the 5 lb of mud in the old one...

I run 35s (Duratracs) on an auto 4 dr sahara. I don't do a ton of offroading, more a daily driver, but I have kept an eye on it for sagging. Thankfully I didnt really see any issues over the last year and just added gussets to make sure I avoid it in the future.

On your previous comment regarding ride quality with a lift, I had the same issues with previous lifts and just upgraded to the AEV 3.5 with the reservoir shocks. The ride is better than stock!